Definition
Responsive design is a web design approach that allows a site to automatically adapt to all screen sizes (desktop, tablet, smartphone). It uses CSS media queries, flexible grids, and adaptive images. Google recommends responsive design as the preferred mobile solution because it uses a single URL per page, facilitating indexing. With mobile-first indexing, a non-responsive site risks losing positions in search results.
Key Points
- Google's recommended solution for mobile adaptation
- Uses CSS media queries, flexible grids, and adaptive images
- One URL per page, simplifying indexing and sharing
Practical Examples
CSS media queries
A site uses media queries to reorganize its grid into 3 columns on desktop, 2 on tablet, and 1 on mobile, providing optimal readability everywhere.
Adaptive images
The picture tag with srcset serves images of different sizes depending on screen resolution, saving bandwidth on mobile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not technically mandatory, but strongly recommended. With Google's mobile-first indexing, a non-mobile-optimized site will be penalized in rankings.
Responsive uses fluid grids that adapt continuously. Adaptive design uses fixed layouts for specific breakpoints. Google recommends responsive.
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Last updated: 2026-02-07